THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES AMADELADE. S l-O^^ttt OF THE MIDDLE AGES. By S. SPKING. LONDON : PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. BRETTELL, 336a, Oxfoed Street, AND MESSRS. BROWN & CO., CANAL, SALISBURY. 1857. TO THE THIS POEM IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. This Poem now oflfered to the public is in- tended to show the determination on the part of the Barons to unfetter themselves from the will of a proud tyrant. The love of liberty had rooted in the breasts of bold and chivalric men ; they believed it to be a sacred duty imposed upon them to wrench their rights from a King who had treated them with contempt. A united nation overcame his obstinacy, and he was forced to yield to the desires of his people by breaking the chain which held them slaves to his power. The length of time taken up in the poem is three months : it closes immediately after the signing of Magna Charta. 937700 LIST OF SUBSCEIBERS. COPIES, Arundell, Hon. 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'TwAS on a calm and lovely night, The stars were shining clear and bright ; The moon drove on throiTgh spangled sky, Diffusing light from path so high ; Yon turrets caught a tender gleam. The walls look'd well in moonlight scene, A soldier rode, and, urged fast. He gain'd the castle-gate at last. The weighty doors on hinges creek ; Sir Godfrey Belton did he seek. The knight was young, his figure tall. And stubborn foes he might appal. Sir Godfrey did the stranger greet ; He gave his guest both wine and meat. Their supper o'er, the Knight then spoke. A lengthy silence thus he broke : — B 2 " View me, Sir Godfrey; mark ! with care " A royal mandate here I bear. " The king by me this message sent, " That you may humble and repent ; *' For many barons now declare " His massive chains they'll never wear, " And discontent reigns in the land — " The king must check this daring band." " Sir Baldwick is my proper name, " From kingly courts I hither came ; " Thy verbal message must I take, " Our nation's peace is near at stake. " Never will I my word withdraw " To please the monarch's mighty awe, ' " Tho' sturdy armies scale my wall, " And turrets to foundation fall ; " Yet stiU I'd hold the beaten place *' And pass it down to Belton race ; " And future ages, with a smile, " Will point it out a holy pile ; " And firmly hold it did its best " To gain bright freedom for the rest. " This isle is bound in galling yoke, " Awake ! ye sons, and give the stroke. 3 *' Or di'ive a despot from the crown *' Whose brother held it with renown. " I'hold the king is in the wrong, *' Nor will I keep his service long ; *' But blood will flow a di'eadful tide ** From manly frame and youthful side, *' And steel must glare in mid-day sun " 'Till vict'ry on our side is won." *' I'll tell the monarch what you've said ; *' Oh ! may it cause him fear and dread." The air was calm, the night was still, The moon lit up yon neighb'ring hill, A female voice was faintly heard — The sound was sweet — like midnight bird. The lute replied, with note so clear. It captivated Baldwick's ear : — I love this pale and quiet light Which softens nature's colours bright ; The brook glides on in sportive play, And hastens on its bending way. The rose-bud is no longer seen, It hides itself in leafy green. Zephyrs kiss the scented flower : Give me moonlight magic power. 4 The tulips boaat of colours bright, Like not this weak and gentle light : The lUy bends its modest head To seek repose on earthy bed ; And witches dance or trip along Muttering some unearthly song. Zephyrs kiss the scented flower : Give me moonlight magic power. Sir Godfrey saw his youthful friend A solemn sigh did often send. The stranger's eyes then wander'd round To find the voice that made such sound. A fair young girl, with pleasing face. And figure claiming matchless grace. Then stole upon the stranger's view, His bounding heart impatient flew. Sir Baldwick rose to greet the fair. Possessing beauty great and rare ; And blushes ting'd the maiden's cheek While Baldwick strove his best to seek How much the fair would yield her heart Before the stranger must depart. They then retir'd, and slumbers deep Lull'd all their thoughts in silent sleep. The knight he rose at peep of day To leave his host and haste away. And cloudy thoughts hung o'er the brain. His youthful heart felt gnawing pain. He sigh'd " farewell ; " his beast bestrode. Then far away Sir Baldwick rode. The Belton lord had bid " adieu," His strength was small, his numbers few ; His face then wore a deeper shade. The eyes were on Amadelade. " Oh ! why does sorrow dim that eye, " Is not thy daughter standing nigh ? " If thou hast grief I'll have a share, " For mighty woes my heart can bear. " What message did that stranger bring ? " I see his words have left a sting." " Amadelade, my all in life, " Again we draw the flashing knife ; " The king will send an army strong, " I cannot count its absence long, " To storm these walls, or famine try, " To make us yield or nobly die. " I'll place thee in a neighbour's care, *' That you may breathe more bracing air. " You'll climb the hills, and views obtain " Of distant woods or fertile plain ; " Thy hound will sport with spirits gay, " And fond caresses will repay. " In innocence thy life Tvill glide, " If virtue be thy only guide. " For should you stay within this place " Some man may claim thee low and base ; " Thy blushing beauty soon would fade, " And you in silent tomb be laid," He made a pause. The daughter spoke. A solemn silence thus she broke : — " If I must leave thee death is near — " His flight is rapid — and I fear " He marks me out an early prey, '" His work begins upon the day " That sends me from my youthful home, " Away from danger bid to roam. '■' Oh ! let me stay and bear a share " In all thy troubles great and rare. " If they shoTild storm with fiendish hate " Thy child shall share the common fate." Her sire had scarcely pass'd the time When man is in his health and prime ; His hair, once dark, had turn'd to grey, But yet his form did not decay ; His strength was known with fear and awe — His mighty steel oft led the war. A forest near the castle stood ; The buds were op'ning in the wood ; The vales threw up a verdant green, And daisies dot the summer scene ; A youth drcAV near and met the knight To lend his arms in coming fight. " Who art thou, stranger ? Tell thy name. " Are you in quest of sounding fame ?" " My name is Radley. Much I know " About the shaft or stubborn bow j " Or tame the steed, or drive the spear, *' 'Twill draw from friends the briny tear." " You brave the king and all his host." " I wish to take a useful post, " And prove how well I use the bow " By driving death amongst the foe." He gave his hand to thank the youth "Who spoke his mind in simple truth. And led him through the castle-gate Conversing on their future fate. 8 Sir Baldwick rode, his message gave That Godfrey would his castle save. No words will shake, no promise bind. He caUs them all thin airy wind. " Does Godfrey think my heart will spare " The growling monster in his lair ; " Who scorns my words and arms defy " As if he'd force me to comply ? " Collect thy arms and steeds prepare ; " Let pointed weapons gleam in air ; " And march to Belton's lonely pile, " And tarry round its walls awhile ; " Or storm the place with fearful rush — " All hopes and pride together crush." Sir Baldwick gaz'd with flashing eye, And barons watch'd him standing by ; For braver knight ne'er took the field. With pointed lance and massive shield. He marking out his well-known crest (A sleeping Hon then at rest). " When drowsy sleep doth leave his eye " You know that victims then must die. " He prowls away, but craving food " Is his desire when in the mood 9 " For slaughter : so with me 'tis right, " I seek a cause before I fight." Tlie monarch spoke with haughty sneer, " Thy heart is gone I greatly fear. " Amadelade too soon I find " Has made you bow to woman kind. " Like Venus, with her cestus spell, " She's bound thy heart, and done it well. " Urana's daughter conquer'd war, " And Mars broke through all holy law ; " He cast aside the nodding plume " To love the queen and hear his doom. " His arms neglected, seek no more " To plunge their heads in liquid gore. '' Has beauty made thee drop thy arms " To drive her false and wild alarms ? " If so, thy lion's fame is dead ; " No more he'll make the victim red. " Thy sire was known to distant foe, " And many felt his weighty blow. '' 'Twas in the plain of Ascalon " Your sire his little band led on ; " They had a hard and well-fought day— " The foe drew back in sad dismay. 10 " Sir Hugli was found among the slain, " His armour red and head in twain. '' He left a boy with stubborn will, " So headstrong then and is so still. " Behold ! the last of all our race, " Sir Hugh is in his resting-place; " And may his ashes still repose " A stranger to these pressing woes. " Let me have honour, candour, truth — '^ All these I've known in early youth — " And when I die let it be said '' He fought for honour, not through dread." Walbeck, a man whose heart was base. Yet strove to wear a pleasing face. The chieftain o'er a reckless few. The silent woods the robber knew. His men rode fast to seize their prey. Then quickly turn'd their steeds away; For plunder was the only prize That pleas'd the robbers' greedy eyes. Ambition sat on Walbeck's brain — His only wish was greater gain — He left the woods to join the king, In hopes that fortune there would cling. 11 Although not happy — ne'er at rest — For war was in his troubl'd breast. Yet conscience left the smarting soul When pleasing wine ran o'er the bowl. His laugh was loud, and voice was deep. Till wine thi-ew o'er him drowsy sleep. The monarch thought within his mind To send a leader of this kind. He told a guard that he must be Conducted to his privacy. The chief drew near without delay To hear the cause and word obey. The king then told the simple case. And saw reply in Walbeck's face. His hand was resting on his side. In solemn words he thus replied : — " Oh ! spare me arms and lend me men ; " To you I'll ne'er return again " 'Till Godfrey yields a captive bound, " Or Belton crumbles o'er the ground." The king then spoke. " He knew not why " Sir Baldwick left with flashing eye, " Unless it be some maiden fair " Has bound him down in beauty's snare. 12 " He's cast aside the spear and bow — " He'll ne'er oppose the wary foe. " "When battle's lost its rude alarms " Amadelade with all her charms " Shall be thy great and lawful gain, " To bless the heart or sooth thy pain. " And riches too shall crown thy might " When Belton yields the dreadful fight." O ! sweet and most delightful spot. How lovely was thy quiet lot, Thy dales were all a flow'ry bed Where lowing cattle often fed ; A brook ran through with rippling sound And lost itself in forest ground. While fishes caught the sporting fly As in their course were gliding by. The woods receiv'd the passing breeze, And branches wav'd on blooming trees. The castle stood to keep in awe Who dare oppose its martial law. Its form was built by Saxon hand — Its walls would dare a countless band — And this was Belton in its pride. With manly hearts and daring guide 13 The sentry went his quiet round. While eyes were lost in slumber sound. And stars were waning in the sky. The watchers knew that day was nigh. A youth was there in armour bound, He kept the watch on turrets round ; His figure tall, and body straight, A pleasing face and manly gait ; From early childhood he'd been tau^^ht To bend the bow and fear at naught. The youth stood still and gaz'd around, A horse had made a coming sound A smoking beast the man bestrode — The gates roll'd back and in he rode. The pond'rous doors were open'd wide. And Eadley was the stranger's guide. The horseman told his youthful friend Sir Baldwick would assistance lend. And join Sir Godfrey's noble cause Against the king and hostile laws. Two hundred men, all bearing arms, Will swell the battle's rude alarms ; To-morrow's sun will not decline Before you see their martial line. 14 Young Radley sought the vet'ran chief. To ease his heart and give relief ; And Radley told the welcome tale That Baldwick sought, in shining mail, To save the hall from danger near. And keep the heart from knowing fear. The daughter met young Radley's eye. His panting heart drew forth a sigh ; A smile stole o'er the maiden's face. And check'd the youth's retiring pace. She often rode her palfrey grey Before the sun sent down his ray; Its arching neck and nodding mane Were subject to the guiding rein. The lady wish'd the youth to ride, And blushes o'er their features died; She'd show him all the spacious grounds. And ride to Belton's utmost bounds. Young Radley bow'd a low assent ; He chose a steed and on they went. The maiden spoke in accent clear, And pleas'd her friend's attentive ear. " A soldier came," I heard you say, " And found the hall before 'twas day : 15 " He rode all night to bid us know " Sir Baldwick's arms will meet the foe. " Dread war again must take the field, " And steel must bite the sounding shield; " And death will mark the wounded prey " To steal the fleeting life away," Then Radley spoke his passing thought — Amadelade the subject caught. ** I love to see the flashing blade " Mow down whole ranks, make men afraid ; " Or hear the whistling arrows fly, " And see the victim prostrate lie ; " Or stop the charger in his flight — " He rears and plujiges at full height, " For smarting pain has stung him so — " A pointed shaft then lays him low." " Is man then born with this intent, " On naught but blood and slaughter bent, " And fight a foe to his last breath, " Then calmly smile upon his death ? " Or see the wounded lie in pain, " And know he fell by thy good aim. " The friends weep o'er that sinking form " Although his heart is beating warm ; 16 " They watch the pale and livid face '' And say that death has come apace ; " The wife breathes out her trembling sigh, " And children send a mournful cry ; " Or sisters weep o'er brothers dead — " The clotted field their only bed — " Their hands still hold the spear or dart, " When life is seen in haste depart. " Can war give joy or grief appease ? " Yet men delight in scenes like these. " The female heart was made to soothe " Our surly nature, and to prove " How much Ave owe to realms above " For sending here sweet peaceful love. " No parent M^atches o'er my life, " Nor sister dear, nor loving wife ; " A brother fights upon their side — " Oh ! may our arrows miss him wide." " My heart is free ; no love I've found " Save for a true and faithful hound, " That leans its head upon my breast " When sinking nature urges rest." His face was sad, and there she read He spoke his mind in all he'd said. 17 She dare not ask, yet wish'd to know Why he had drawn the fatal bow. To hold their home aarainst the mi^ht That soon would fill their soldiers' sisfht. She rode along at faster speed To see whose horse would keep the lead, But passing by a rippling pool — The air was brisk and morning cool — Her horse was restive, and she fell, While Radley strove her fears to quell. He gave a plunge, and tried to save The lovely maid from early grave. She soon arose — he grasped an arm — And strove his best to stay alarm ; Then striking boldly gain'd the shore — ■ Amadelade quite safe he bore. The fainting girl was pale and white. And still she felt the awful fright ; Young Radley turn'd the guiding rein To bear them back to home again. He plac'd the girl in servants' care, And gaz'd upon the face so fair ; Her features pale, like marble cold, More like the work of sculptor bold. c 18 Sir Godfrey heard the dreadful case. And bent his way with hurried pace ; He saw his child, once blithe and gay. Like lifeless death so still she lay. " Spare me, O Lord ! thy mercy show, " Or send me help to bear this blow ; " My heart is bursting with my grief, " Oh ! give me grace and send relief. " Lord, look down and hear my prayer, " And give me back my daughter fair, " To nurse my life when time shall spread " Its hoary locks upon my head. " The eyes will dim, and strength relax " That now can wield the cleaving axe ; " And when my soul must leave this clay " Point out my flight to realms of day." The daughter woke while he was nigh. And life lit up the beaming eye. She told him all in warmth of tone When chance had left them quite alone ; And when she spoke young Radley's name Her face was changed — a colour came — The blush soon left the faded cheek, It died away, its force was Aveak. 19 Sir Godfrey left tlie maiclen'a side To thank the man that thus defied All thoughts of fear — a life to save — His name shall rank amid the brave. The day roll'd by and night came on, All heavy eyes to rest had gone ; Their frames repos'd in tranquil sleep, Their breathing grew both loud and deep. And fancv truths swam o'er the brain, They serv'd Sir Godfrey much the same : For when he lay upon his bed He saw the battle bloody red, And trembl'd at the awful sight. Although he mingl'd not in fight ; But saw his men were falling fast. And hopes gave way to fear at last. Sir Baldwick saw him standing still. And sought to bend his iron Avill. At length he spoke : — " My lordly chief, " Why standing here a prey to grief, " The men that fall around thy moat " ITicir latest breath to you devote, " And long to see thy nodding crest — " Thy poitly form and heaving breast — 20 " Give them new vigour — lead them on, " And lend new strength to every one." There was a pause both long and still — Sir Godfrey shook, and tears did fill His swimming eyes with scalding brine. " Most unfortunate me and mine." He gaz'd at Baldwick when he spoke, His feelings then had ceas'd to choke His utterance. " How much I dread " Beholding those now still and dead, " Whose last sad shout and thrilling cry " Was spent in calling ' victory.' " He held his sword above his head. And swore to fight for those who'd bled ; And from that time he ne'er would rest While life was throbbing in his breast. Sir Godfrey rode to gain the field — Perhaps to die — but ne'er to yield. The soldiers saw his manly form. And every heart then beating warm Sent forth a shout, and foes defied. Which lost itself in valleys wide. They rush'd again in firm array To gain their ground and win the day. 21 Sir Godfrey led — then ardour fir'd — Or cheer'd them on and deeds admired. And swinging round his well-made steel. He made the ranks give way and feel The force of his destructive arm. That drove such terror and alarm. The foe drew back in sad dismay — Their frighten'd steeds had run away. And bore their riders out of sight ; Nor could they check the rapid flight ; They strove to make for Belton wood, To gain protection if they could. The shouts of triumph were but short. For many found it dearly bought : Some friend or son was lying there. The father torn by wild despair. He view'd the scars and trickling gore — A farewell look — and all was o'er. But grief drew near the parent's side — Its silent work no breast can hide — His form grew bent, his hair turn'd white, The eyes had lost their former light ; The father died through weight of woe. And by the son the sire lay low. 0O But one was braver than the rest Upon his head he wore his crest — The eagle with its open wing Preparing on its prey to spring. Sir' Godfrey gave them fresh desire To face again and not retire. Steeds and riders were o'erthrown. And heaps of men and horses moan. Sir Godfrey felt a smarting pain. His strength gave way — he loos'd the rein. For life was flowing qnick and fast. And no one thought the chief conld last. They bore his form with silent care — Many said a solemn prayer. The priest came near, his soul he bless'd, That he might taste a tranquil rest. And shape his path for life on high. Where sin and death he would defy. Amadelade had heard with fright. And soon beheld the awful sight ; No tears were seen to ease her grief. Nor could they flow to give relief. The men stood near to Avatch the knight — Their ranks were few through war and fight- 23 Fierce anger roll'd in every breast, And flashing eyes gaz'd o'er the west To scan the hill and dale with care : No bitter foe could they see there. Sir Godfrey rose — his speech had gone — And vet his life had linsrer'd on ; He show'd his wounds and oozing gore. Then gave a groan, and all was o'er. He woke in fright, and soon he found A dream had held his senses bound. CANTO II. Sir Baldwick was of ancient name. At Hastings battle first they came ; The Norman gave them land and spoil. And mighty castles fill'd the soil. 'Twas Richard made Sir Hugh a knight Foj noble courage — deeds of might. He fell, and left an only son Who scarce his life had then begun. An uncle took the wayward child To check the growth of passion wild. And in the convent's lonely cell He took his boyish lessons well. When time Avore on he lov'd to tame The rapid hawk with certain aim, And seldom miss'd the hurried prey That strove its best to wing away. 26 He left the convent's quiet charms To mix in battle's rude alarms. The monarch lov'd the youthful knight, "Whose heart was buoyant, gay, and light, Until the day that he was sent To ask Sir Godfrey what he meant. Sir Baldwick left the tyrant's cause To bind himself to barons' laws ; And bid his men in haste prepare To take in war a willing share. When night came on he spoke his mind To warlike men of sturdy kind : — " You knew my sire, and thought him brave. " Oh ? may he rest in silent grave ! " He led you on in distant war — '' The foe gave way through fear and awe — " With sword in hand you saw him fall, " And ne'er retreat his dying call. " He left but one to bear his name, " And reap the chief's immortal fame. " These walls have seen my infant head — " They've heard my cry with passion fed — " And brawny arms have bourne my weight ; " Our men foretold my future fate. 27 " But manhood's strength is in me now, " While youth is resting on my brow ; " My soul's uneasy, and I burn " To lead the field and glory earn ; " And mav we ne'er return aarain " 'Till vict'ry crowns Sir Baldwick's men." Then one stood up who once had fame For eloquence. Andrew by name, His hail" was white as driven snow. But still his arms could bend the bow : — " A length of years my life has been " Since first I saw the summer green. " Oh ! could I call my childhood o'er — " Those days will come for me no more — " For oft I've play'd in days gone by, " And climb'd these lofty turrets high ; " Or in the dusky shades of night " I've made its echoes sound delight " With merry laugh and sportive joy. " But brave Sir Hugh was then a boy. " I saw the knight in armour clad, " His features pale — the heart was sad — " He spoke his thoughts in pensive tone, " And weighty trouble seem'd to own :" — 28 ' Ha ! my child," the chieftain said, ' I go to swell the ranks of dead, ' Thy noble house is known too well, ' For all our chiefs in contest fell. ' Thou art the last, and hold with care ' The fame that falls to Baldwick's share. ' Thy wavy hair he threw aside, ' His tears roll'd down a briny tide ; ' A farewell look the father gave, ' Then hurried o'er the sounding wave. ' I saw his grief unbidden rise ' And fill the sad and doleful eyes. ' Oh ! how I felt to see him weep, ^ And bid good bye to one asleep. ' Right well they knew this castle's lord ' Throughout the shores of lands abroad. ' Ay ! who'd have thought that he could feel ' And see him use his pond'rous steel. ' Wheree'r he rode he rul'd the fight, ' And sent whole hosts to realms of night. ' I S9,w him fall, and heard him speak — ' His voice was faint and frame was weak — ' ' I would my son that you were by ' ' That I might teach thee how to die.' 29 " He took my hand, and pointed ' on,' " His head fell back — his soul was gone — " And may I see the last of all " Rise up to fame, or nobly fall." Old Andrew shook his hoary head. He felt the truth of what he'd said. Sir Baldwick, mov'd by what he'd heard. Then made them haste theii- bodies gird With shining arms : he led the way While nature yet in darkness lay. As soon as morn had streak'd the sky They found that Belton ground stood nigh ; Their friends rode out with pleasing haste To welcome those that stood encas'd In warlike arms : a martial train. That knew right well both war and pain. The knights soon met, and voices cried That echo'd through the vallies wide. Rejoicings o'er, they crav'd repose. To give them strength against their foes. Young Radley pac'd his silent round Together with his sportive hound ; Amadeladc stole on his view, His heart flew quick — a sigh he drew — The youth beheld her faultless iiialce. And dormant feelings did awake ; He paus'd to meet the faithful orb, And read its workings of accord. " Oh ! srive me eves of azure blue — " Gentle, forgiving, and so true — " If once they love they'll ne'er forget " Endearing visions once they met ; " And these were thine Amadelade, " With lashes long, that they might shade " Thy beaming eye." The maiden said, " I'll tell thee why I'm hither led : " To thank thee for thy noble zeal, " Tho' tongues ne'er speak what hearts can feel. " You've sav'd me from the rippling Avave — " Thy soul is noble, bold, and brave." Her sight was lost in grateful tear — The voice Avas tremulous to hear — Subduing all not vainly strove To speak her thoughts where they should rove. " Grant, my friend, that I may make " A token — one that you would take. " Accept from me you've bid to live " A present that I'll i'rccly give. .31 " Eefiise me not this great request, " That I may count my soul as bless'd." He' took her hand so clear and white. The fingers long and shining bright With jewels: pressing there a seal, Afiection only will reveal To every heart what I have said. For Cupid once themselves has led. " Pray name your wish, be what it may, " I'll keep it till my dying day; " The precious gift to me you trust ■^ Shall mingle in my crumbling dust." She gave a ring of purest gold To grace the hand of Radley bold ; Then left the youth to pace his round In love's fair meshes was he bound. The nights were past, in times like these. In pleasing song or thirst appease. Sir Baldwick's harp was tightly strung, And sweetest sounds the soldier rung: — He struck the cords with perfect ease And strove his best the knight to please : — Z2 SONG. De Gilbert fouglit on holy soil, And took his share of war and toil ; The cross was hung upon his breast, His sword lay harmlessly at rest, And gazing on a twinkling star, His thoughts were bent on one afar. " I love to view thy gentle light, " And wait thy coming when 'tis night ; " A maiden oft doth search for thee, " And then her thoughts revert to me : " A fi-othy ocean swells its tide, " And parts the lover from his bride. " But yet our hearts are boimding high " Whene'er we scan the dotted sky ; " We trace thy form, and then we find *< Thy light sheds comfort o'er the mind ; " Though miles have plac'd me far away, " Yet both can see thy tender ray. " Ah ! rest thee, Mary, rest awhile, " For soon I'll see my native isle, " And bring thee wealth, my lawful gain, *♦ So rudely taken from the slain ; " For joy shall drive all care aside, " And pleasure crown De Gilbert's bride." S3 The music lost its perfect sound And left a stillness, deep, profound. Then crowds of men the silence broke. And each his feelings freely spoke. Sir Baldwich sought the maiden's side To speak his heart, for love did ride Triumphant o'er the soldier's frame. Her blushes rose when e'er he came : He told his love, with fond desire. His breast was like a raging fire. So much he loved her : but too late. Her soul had found a favour'd mate. " Seek not in me" she humbly said, " A worthy mate for you to wed : " Thou art my friend, I'm proud to own, " Thy soldiers guard our ancient home. '^ I ne'er can love thee — strive no more, '" To press thy suit — my heart is sore." " Ambition guide my rapid flight " And show my course in glaring light : " Where'r j'ou point the mazy way " I follow on — thy wish obey — " Sir Godfrey's head my hand must gain, " And Baldwick swell the ranks of slain." D 34 "Ah! Walbeck! Walbeck! why so base- " A flinty heart, yet smiling face. " You seek the fields of clotted gore " To serve thy end, you'd ask for more. " Daring thou art, that none deny, " The first in danger — last to fly: " So cool in battle — hot in peace — " When ev'ry passion you release. " How many minds with deadly hate " Watch o'er thy fate and death await? " They'll bless the time and voices rend " The clouded heavens at thy end." He took the woody hills close by And on his men he did rely : About six hundred yards, I guess. From Belton walls, not more nor less. He sent his men to tell the knight, " To yield his arms, or else they fight." The Knights had seen the sturdy foe And hop'd to change a mighty blow : They sat in council. Soon they heard Bold Walbeck's proud and haughty word. " Then bid him come," Sir Godfrey said, " We'll die our arms a crimson red : " No man will yield his trusty blade " Until by death a corpse he's laid." They told their chief the answer sent And what Sir Godfrey's message ment. " Dream on thou dupe e'en soon to wake, " My arms shall make thy turrets shake : " The clang of war shall sound afar, " And men shall bear the bleeding sear." CANTO III. Tespar, a man in Baldwick's train, Would sell his chief for trifling gain, Yet look'd so modest and demure As if no price woidd him secure. He crept awaj to join the tent. To speak his mind and passions pent ; A scheme was form'd — a promise made- To steal the fair Amadelade. The soldier left and gain'd his post To mix in Godfrey's friendly host. He saw the maiden leave her home, In solitude she wish'd to roam ; A muffler round her face was cast To stop her cry, so tight and fast They held, then rudely bore away The victim : still as death she lay. 38 Soon Walbeck saw his men return, And joy lit up his features stern ; He rais'd a cry of wild delight "When he beheld this dreadful sight. " Behold ! in me, O fair young maid, " A suitor for Amadelade. " John will give me mighty power " When we crush yon haughty tower. " I'll spare Sir Godfrey for thy sake ; " Then bid me hope and love awake. " Refuse me not. O don't deny, "' Nor loose my wrath, but hear my sigh." " Keep thy love for a better chance " For you'll not mine the least enhance ; *' If courage warm'd thy guilty soul " You'd let me free : the swimming bowl " Has won thy deep impatient sigh — " I dare thy wrath and rage defy. ** "Woman's tongue is her best defence, " Provided too with witty sense ; " It drives so deep there is no cure — " No guided steel e'er struck so sure." The castle mourn'd the daughter's fate. No soothing hope could grief abate ; 39 No tear was seen in Belton's eye, For rage had made the fountain dry. " How blind is mortal," Godfrey said, ''' I ne'er could bear to count the dead. " Mv heart has oft this answer made, " That I should in the tomb be laid " Before her fleeting life is past, " When death must count her his at last ; " And now my heart could bless the day *' When fate shall snatch her life away. " Thy soul so pure, my comely child, " Will hear the jests of soldiers wild, " And ribald songs may strike thine ear " And wound thy soul with pain I fear." Sir Baldwick spoke his inward thought — " Amadelade must now be sought. '' Radley, what think you can we do " To save her — I appeal to you." " Although she's lost, yet there's a ray " Her brightest hopes shall not decay. I know a plan that will succeed " To search their camp, and she'll be freed." He told his scheme to those around : His friends a willing answer found. t< 40 " Sir Baldwick," you must soon prepare " To meet with dangers great and rare ; " And, in the minstrel's lowly garb, " Seek you the camp, but don't retard ; " While list'ning to your skilful play " I'll take Amadelade away." " Heaven bless thy undertaking — " Calm the heart that's all but breaking. " Liberate her from such danger, " Where all virtue lives a stranger." They both set out in dusky eve Their former treasure to retrieve ; They bent their way through mazy wood. To hide their coming, if they could. Then Eadley paus'd : to gain a chance The other did his steps advance. He reach'd the tent, and there he found The meal and goblet soon went round. ' An aged harper's here," they say, " Then make him enter — bid him play ; " We'll have a song to cheer us up ; " Refresh thyself and drain the cup, " 'Twill enliven — your strength restore — " And make you younger than before." • . 41 " Alas ! but that can never be, " For I'm so old—infirm — you see ; " Three kings I've seen upon the throne, " And many changes I must own ; " But Richard's was the time for me, *' He fought in war so manfully." Oh ! rest thee, mighty monarch, rest. Thy crumbling ashes ever blest ; Our country weeps her hero dead. Who folio w'd fame where'er she led ; Thy noble spirit went afar To conquer lands in holy war. Thy steel was dyed with purple gore. And chiefs will see the light no more ; Where'er you drew the guiding rein Thy weapon swell'd the ranks of slain. And terror fought upon thy side — It smote all hearts both far and wide. Thy name was heard with awful fright, And cheeks grew pale — a sickly white ; The fighting host, with dread alarm, Sought flight before thy mighty aim : They drove along with rapid pace, And left the field in eager race. 42 Thy hand could tune the music string, And thoughts of home it oft would bring ;' The soul would sip the pleasing strain Then war would leave the heated brain : Thy skill was great in tuneful play — The harp would fain they wish obey. Thy voice was rich with mellow sound, "With range of note not often found ; So true in love, yet fierce in war, Whene'er you spoke, thy word was law : Our country moiu-ns — her loss is great. Her silent grief will ne'er abate. And fame stiU lingers near thy grave ; It weeps thy loss : she strove to save, But death the contest quickly won, And snatch'd thy most deserving son ; But Britain's isle will hand him down The greatest -son of high renown. His song was o'er — his harp was still. Its rapid notes had ceas'd to fill The ears of those who sat around. Yet held them captives to its sound. At last their chief the silence broke, And loos'd the spell their souls awoke. 43 " Thou art no novice in thy trade, " For music in thy soul is laid ; " You call it forth Avhene'er you will, " To strike the chords with masjic skill. " Come show thy life, and let us see " Thy bold and daring history. " Some pleasure will it now afford, " So taste the wine that crowns the board." The harper took the brimming cup. And long he held the goblet up; He look'd askant with timid care — No female heart was beating there. He bow'd his head to hide his face. And then began his life to trace. " An humble life I've always led, " My parents long have both been dead — " They left me young, so Vve been told, " A grandsire feeble, weak, and old, " Watch'd o'er my days of early glee, " And sooth'd my troubles on his knee ; " He taught me well the harp to string, " And strike each chord to make it sing ; " And oft he wish'd that he could train " My youthful arms to certain aim.